Check Point is one of the world's main players in selling
firewall and virtual private network (VPN) software. Firewall/VPN
software is used to prevent unauthorised external access to
internal computer networks, and to provide data encryption in
public computer networks.
The Commission had received a complaint from rival Finnish firm
Stonesoft that Check Point's distribution practices were unfairly
excluding it from the market.
The Commission found that Check Point had told some of its
distributors and resellers that if they attempted to sell
Stonesoft's competing firewall/VPN product, they would no longer be
supplied with Check Point's own product.
Given Check Point's market presence, the Commission was
concerned that this was having a negative foreclosure effect in the
market for firewall/VPN software in violation of European Union
competition rules.
Following negotiations between the Commission and Check Point,
Check Point offered an undertaking which covers the Commission's
concerns.
Check Point has undertaken not to place undue or unacceptable
pressure upon its distributors and resellers regarding their
independent decision whether or not to sell competing products.
Check Point will also ensure that its sales and other relevant
personnel are informed about the EU competition rules and that they
understand the requirement to comply with those laws in their
business dealings.
